Mitzvah —
275
To give the first shearing of sheep to a Kohen
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רֵאשִׁ֨ית דְּגָֽנְךָ֜ תִּירֹשְׁךָ֣ וְיִצְהָרֶ֗ךָ וְרֵאשִׁ֛ית גֵּ֥ז צֹאנְךָ֖ תִּתֶּן־לֽוֹ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת שׁוֹפְטִים
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Deuteronomy 18:4 - "The first of your grain, your wine, and your oil, and the first of the fleece of your sheep, you shall give him."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
We are commanded to give the first shearing of sheep to the Kohanim.
This mitzvah, called Reishit HaGez (the first of the fleece), requires that when sheep are shorn, the initial portion of the wool must be given to a Kohen. Unlike Terumah or Challah, this mitzvah involves a non-edible agricultural product — wool — which is still consecrated through separation.
It serves as a form of support for the Kohanim, who receive no land inheritance and rely on gifts from the people. It also emphasizes gratitude to Hashem for the blessings of livelihood and abundance. In Israel, the mitzvah applies by Torah law; in the Diaspora, it is rabbinic.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 10:1): Codifies the obligation to give a portion of fleece to the Kohanim.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 507): Explains that the root is to sustain Kohanim and to teach us gratitude by dedicating the first yield of even non-food resources to Hashem.
- Talmud (Chullin 135a): Discusses the obligation of Reishit HaGez and specifies the minimum measure.
- Rashi (Deuteronomy 18:4): Notes that this mitzvah parallels other “first” gifts — just as produce and dough have their portions, so too does wool.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 507) explains that setting aside the first fleece reminds us that all livelihood is from Hashem, strengthening faith by dedicating even non-food resources to Him.
Gratitude – הוֹדָיָה
- Rashi (Deuteronomy 18:4) compares Reishit HaGez to other “first” gifts, teaching that gratitude is not limited to food but extends to all blessings. By giving the first wool, we express thanks for material abundance.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 10:1) codifies that the wool becomes consecrated when given to the Kohen. The act sanctifies something ordinary, elevating wool into a vehicle of holiness.
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
- Talmud (Chullin 135a) notes that the mitzvah applies to flocks when shorn, embedding agricultural labor into the framework of Divine service, just as produce and dough are sanctified.
Priests – כֹּהֲנִים
- Rambam explains that the mitzvah provides for the Kohanim, who lack land inheritance. Reishit HaGez supports their service by giving them a share in the nation’s material goods.
Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל
- The Torah obligation applies only in the Land of Israel, while observance in the Diaspora is rabbinic (Chullin 136a), reinforcing the special sanctity of Eretz Yisrael in agricultural mitzvot.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- By sharing with Kohanim, the mitzvah fosters community responsibility. Every shepherd contributes, ensuring Kohanim are cared for collectively.
Charity – צְדָקָה
- Ramban highlights that like other priestly gifts, Reishit HaGez parallels acts of charity, training Israel to give generously and support those devoted to Torah and service.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- The act instills awe by reminding us that Hashem claims a portion of even our wool. It shows reverence for His authority over all aspects of livelihood.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- Fundamentally, the mitzvah is obedience to Hashem’s decree — dedicating the first of the fleece as a spiritual act of devotion.
Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ
- At the same time, it provides tangible benefit to Kohanim, strengthening interpersonal bonds and communal fairness.
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